Trade Policies and Indonesia

“Clinton Aided Indonesia Regime” (Oct. 16) provides a completely inaccurate and misleading picture of the Clinton admin- istration’s trade policy with regard to Indonesia. The record in fact shows that at President Clinton’s direction, the U.S. has used its trade policy to achieve substantial reforms in worker rights in Indonesia.

Our policy led to recognition of independent unions in the workplace, the democratic election of union leaders, new regulations allowing unions to be given direct financial control over their dues for the first time, several annual increases in the minimum wage in Indonesia, and an enhanced workplace inspection program. Not only did we put in place enforceable agreements to boost worker rights, but we continue to monitor labor conditions to ensure continued progress. Obviously more needs to be done, but this is a solid start.

In pushing for reform in worker rights in Indonesia, we have often taken on the establishment interests against reform. A 1993 headline in the Indonesia Business Weekly pertaining to our interest in worker rights reforms succinctly states, “U.S. Again Attacks Indonesia.”

Our aggressive trade policy with Indonesia today continues in full force and effect. On Oct. 1 the U.S. filed trade enforcement cases against Indonesia in the World Trade Organization to open its auto market, which discriminates against foreign car companies. This administration also placed Indonesia on the “priority watch list” for its poor protection of U.S. copyrights and trademarks in key sectors such as software. Indonesia is the only country in Southeast Asia so targeted for enforcement action to protect the interests of U.S. companies.

CHARLENE BARSHEFSKY

Acting U.S. Trade Representative

Washington